Lawrence P. Ward, Ed.D

Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

As the chief student affairs officer at Babson College, Lawrence Ward provides strategic direction for a holistically-designed student experience that supports students’ academic, social, intellectual, and cultural development and personal well-being. He provides executive leadership and oversight for a comprehensive range of programs, services, systems, and policies that foster undergraduate and graduate student life beyond the classroom. Larry works closely with the student affairs leadership team to ensure that the student experience aligns with, connects to, and reinforces the College’s vision to educate entrepreneurial leaders who create economic and social value—everywhere.

Larry is widely respected for his ability to build authentic, supportive, and lasting connections with students, faculty, and staff. In particular, his educational philosophy is grounded in an intrinsic interest and commitment to helping undergraduate and graduate students to develop essential skills, discover repeatable formulas for success, and grow as thinking persons who value innovation, diversity, and social responsibility.

In his role as Vice President and Dean, Larry is responsible for the following areas: Athletics, Community Standards, Graduate Student Affairs, Health and Wellness, Public Safety, Student Engagement, and Dean/Student Life On-Call program. In addition, the Dean of Students Office serves as the focal point for students in crisis and other student-related emergencies.

Prior to joining Babson, Larry served as Associate Dean for Academic Programs at American University’s Kogod School of Business in Washington, DC. As associate dean, he provided strategic direction and oversight for all graduate and undergraduate degree programs and related student services including enrollment management, academic student services, career development, global learning programs, student activities, leadership development, and student conduct. His previous experience also includes serving as managing director at an organizational development consulting firm and an account executive for Aetna Inc., where he managed the national healthcare marketing campaign for the Baltimore-Washington market.

Larry earned a BS in Business Administration from the University of Connecticut, MA in higher education administration from the University of Michigan, and his doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania. His research interests include institution-level decision-making, intercollegiate athletics, and leadership development.